Patient Parenting

I write to learn. I feel that if I can write about something, I really know it. My Patient Parenting columns have always been about a topic I’ve been interested in or a suggestion or request someone has given me. I think about the topic for several days, decide just how I want to focus on it and then research, talk to other people and see...

Martha McClellan has been an early childhood educator, director and administrator for 32 years. She currently is consulting with and supporting early-care providers. Reach her at mmm@bresnan.net

more Patient Parenting

I know a very sweet family that includes an 8-year-old girl who may be exceptionally gifted. (I personally believe all children are gifted in some way.) This little girl excels in school, reads way above grade level and loves math and science. She dances, sings and performs comfortably in front of all kinds of people, uses a vast vocabulary...

What does it mean to be a mother? How has it changed our lives and what would things be like if we hadn’t had children?

It is a huge choice to have children and one not made lightly, as least hopefully not. I love that women do make that choice more consciously now than when I was a young woman. It seemed like everyone had kids,...